Taco Pizza
Born in the Quad Cities in the 1970s, Iowa's taco pizza is a beloved Midwest creation. Seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar, fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crushed tortilla chips create the perfect fusion of pizza and taco night.
Equipment Needed
Instructions
Make the dough: Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand 5-10 minutes until foamy. Combine flour and salt, add yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead 8-10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise 1 hour.
Cook the taco meat: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into crumbles. Drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning and water according to package directions. Simmer until thickened.
Preheat oven: Place pizza stone on the lowest rack and preheat to 475°F (245°C) for at least 30 minutes.
Shape the pizza: Punch down dough and stretch or roll into a 14-inch round. Transfer to a cornmeal-dusted pizza peel.
Assemble base: Spread a thin layer of refried beans over the dough. Top with seasoned beef, then sprinkle generously with cheddar cheese.
Bake: Slide pizza onto the hot stone and bake 12-15 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Add cold toppings: Remove from oven and immediately pile on shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and black olives. The contrast of hot and cold is essential.
Finish: Dollop with sour cream, scatter crushed tortilla chips over the top, and drizzle with taco sauce or salsa.
Serve immediately: Taco pizza is best eaten right away while the crust is hot and the lettuce is crisp. Slice and serve!
💡 Pro Tips & Variations
- Quad Cities origin: Taco pizza was invented at Happy Joe's Pizza in Bettendorf, Iowa in 1974. It's now a Midwest staple.
- The cold topping secret: Adding cold lettuce and tomatoes to hot pizza is what makes Iowa taco pizza special. Don't skip this step!
- Crushed Doritos: Some versions use crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos instead of plain tortilla chips for extra flavor.
- Make your own seasoning: Mix 1 tbsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp oregano, and salt for homemade taco seasoning.
- Add jalapenos: Pickled jalapenos add a nice kick and are a popular addition in many pizzerias.
- Use taco sauce: Drizzle with taco sauce (like Ortega) instead of salsa for an authentic Midwest taco pizza experience.